MANHATTAN, Kan. – A career game from Jordan Henriquez was not enough for Kansas State, as the Wildcats dropped a close game to Iowa State, 65-61. Henriquez finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks. Those high marks helped create the first double- double of his career.
Both teams struggled in the opening moments of the game, scoring a combined eight points in the first five minutes of the half. The Wildcats (19-9, 8-8) jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead, but a 20-6 Iowa State (21-8, 11-5) run gave the Cyclones an early 22-12 lead in the half. Iowa State’s Scott Christopherson was perfect, going 6-of-6 from the field, including shooting 4-of-4 from 3-point range. The Cyclones led going into the break, 37-27.
The Wildcats responded from the second half whistle, going on a 17-1 run highlighted by 3-pointers from Rodney McGruder and Angel Rodriguez to give K-State a 40-38 advantage. Both teams continued to battle throughout the period, trading baskets on each end of the floor. Iowa State proved to be too much for the Wildcats, as Christopherson would seal the game with a 3-point basket with 1:30 left in the game. He finished with a game high 29 points for the Cyclones.
The Cyclones out-rebounded the Wildcats 37-35 while bringing down 11 offensive boards. They were able to convert by scoring 14 second chance points. K-State controlled the paint, outscoring their opponent 34-18.
McGruder finished the game with 13 points and 11 rebounds for his fifth career double-double while Rodriguez finished with 13 points and a career high eight assists.
For highlights and a complete video recap of the game, visit thegamedaynetwork.com.
Next Game: Tuesday, February 28 at Texas A&M (13-15, 4-12)
The final road tilt of the regular season takes the Wildcats to College Station, Texas, to take on the Texas A&M Aggies. The game can be heard on KMAN courtesy of the K-State Sports Network and Learfield Sports. Pregame coverage with Wyatt Thompson and Stan Weber will begin at 5 p.m. Tip-off from Reed Arena is set for 6 p.m.
